The Deputy Minister of National Defence, Thanasis Davakis, attended yesterday, Tuesday 27 October 2026, as representative of the Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the re-enactment ceremony of the Battle of Kalpaki, honouring the “KALPAKIA 2026” celebration events held by the Municipality of Pogoni.

The re-enactment ceremony was attended by MP for Ioannina Georgios Amyras, as representative of the Hellenic Parliament, MPs Maria Kefala, Giannis Tsimaris, Meropi Tzoufi, the Head of the Region of Epirus Alexandros Kahrimanis, the Mayor of Pogoni Konstantinos Kapsalis, the Commanding General of the 8^th Motorised Brigade “EPIRUS”, Brigadier General Vasilios Kolios, as representative of the Chief HAGS, Lieutenant General Georgios Kostidis, the Rector of the University of Ioannina Anna Batistatou, the Mayor of Sfakia Ioannis Zervos, and the Deputy Mayor of Agia Napa, Nikolaos Vasilas.

Among others, the Deputy Minister of National Defence stated the following during his address:

“It is with great feelings of emotion, honour, and gratitude that I am here, in Kalpaki, representing the Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

Here, where exactly 86 years ago, a few hours after the dawn of the 28^th October 1940, the Officers and Soldiers of the 8^th Division under the legendary General Charalambos Katsimitros, declared their own “OXI!” to the Italian intruders in the ancient Greek manner.

Long live Kalpaki!

Long live the legendary 8^th Division!

Long live our Armed Forces!”